TUESDAY 3.11.15
Creating a legacy Pitcher turns childhood dreams into dominant college career
Story by Joshua Huff Photos by Michael Reaves Junior Kelsey Nunley made headlines last spring with a postseason performance that cemented her status as one of UK softball’s greatest pitchers, but her prowess on the field began with a wiffle bat when she was 2 years old. “When she was two she could whack it,” said Randy Nunley, Kelsey Nunley’s father. “I told my wife she was going to be something special.” Kelsey was named to the 2014 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament team and opened this season as one of 50 players on the National Player of the Year watch list. Unassuming and humble off the mound, she is an intimidating presence on it. She pitched herself into Kentucky lore last season after she manned the mound for every SEC and NCAA Tournament game for UK. It was a feat that carried the Cats to their first Women’s College World Series, where they were eliminated after a heartbreaking loss to Baylor.
Education conversation hits campus By Kevin Erpenbeck kerpenbeck@kykernel.com
With a stage to patrol and a platform to speak on, educator and author Dr. Steve Perry shared his views of the country’s current education system to a crowd in Memorial Hall on Tuesday. Perry is the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn. Perry started the school in 2005 and has helped lead it to posting above-average test scores. According to the school’s website, Capital Prep has sent all of its graduating students to a four-year college program since 2006. Before Perry spoke to the crowd, Lexington 1st District Councilman Chris Ford presented Perry with an award for accomplishments in education from Mayor Jim Gray. The documentation said that March 10, 2015 would be known as “Dr. Steve Perry Day.” One of the issues that Perry addressed during his speech was parents and teachers who are not invested in children’s active education. Perry said that today’s generation is “cluttered with kids getting participation trophies.” He later referenced the undefeated UK Basketball team as a measuring stick of what it takes to be great in a specific field by applying the work that is required to do so. “Every time we send a child to a school that we
know has failed them, we are failing that child,” Perry said. “We want our children to exceed expectations and stop being average, but how can they do that if we are not actively involved in helping them achieve that goal?” Perry also spoke about state district requirements that make children attend the school in the closest proximity to their homes, calling the requirement “archaic.” “It’s the most useless method for determining the best school for a child,” Perry added. “And it’s not because the tax dollars can’t support those out-of-district kids to attend their desired schools, it’s because of racism. They want to keep the kids that are the most like each other in the same group. It’s ridiculous. If resources were truly the problem, then the best place to send our kids would be prison.” David Shepard, a threetime graduate of UK, agreed that the education system needs to implement a more proactive method to help kids get through school and graduate in a reasonable time frame. “Parents need to be parents, teachers need to be teachers,” Shepard said. “You can’t do anything without the groups working together. Schools have to change so that they can serve the people they’re supposed to serve: kids.”
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PENCE | STAFF
Dr. Steve Perry, noted educator and best-selling author, speaks at Memorial Hall on Tuesday in Lexington, Ky.
UK grad wins ‘The Bachelor’
Continued on page 4
When she was five and six, out of 164 players she made the All-Stars with the boys. So I knew she was going to be special. RANDY NUNLEY, Kelsey’s father
UK graduate Whitney Bischoff won the proposal from Chris Soules on the Monday night finale of ABC’s “The Bachelor.” Bischoff, 29, earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing from UK in 2007, according to WetPaint. She is currently a registered nurse for the Fertility Clinics of Illinois in Chicago. The 19th season of the show ran for 10 weeks and pitted Bischoff against 29 other would-be fiancés. The proposal was taped in November and Bischoff and Soules, 33, have spent the last four months hiding their en-
gagement. Bischoff told “Good Morning America” that “right now we’re really excited to just start our life as a normal couple in the real world.” In the season finale, Bischoff indicated that she would move to Soules’ hometown, Arlington, Iowa to become a farmer’s wife. The couple told “Good Morning America” that they will next spend a few weeks together in Los Angeles while Soules competes on “Dancing With the Stars,” then move to his family’s farm. STAFF REPORT
2 | Kentucky Kernel | 3.11.15
NEWS
Eyes in the Los Angeles skies prevent crimes By Kate Mather and Richard Winton Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — They seem as common as squawking gulls, and true Angelenos may not even bother to look up when one of the LAPD’s 17 helicopters rattles their windows, its spotlight searching for a carjacked Camry or an assault suspect hiding under a jacaranda. In a city of 469 sprawling square miles, few doubt that more bad guys would get away without the nation's largest police helicopter fleet to help chase them. Now the LAPD is pioneering the use of helicopters to stop crimes before they start. Tapping into the datadriven policing trend, the department uses heat maps,
technology and years of statistics to identify crime “hot spots.” Pilots then use their downtime to fly over them, on the theory that would-be criminals tend to rethink their nefarious plans when there’s an airship hovering overhead. What some see as an innovative tool for keeping the peace, however, others call a deafening intrusion. The Los Angeles Police Department began exploring the deterrent approach a few years ago with a new model called predictive policing that deployed officers and patrol cars to areas where data suggested crime was more likely to occur. Criminologists say the use of helicopters is a natural, if highly unusual, expansion of that policing strategy. So far, LAPD officials say,
the stats show the strategy is having a positive effect. Months of data show that the number of serious crimes reported in the LAPD’s Newton Division in South L.A. fell during weeks when the helicopters conducted more flights. During the week of June 21, 2013, the helicopter unit flew 36 times over Newton, which saw 125 crimes reported in that period. During another week in July, the number of flights rose to 91 and the recorded crimes dropped to 86. Craig Uchida, a policing consultant who analyzes data for the LAPD and offers advice on crime prevention strategies, says it is too early to prove a definitive link between the flights and drops in crime. But the results so far, he said, are encouraging.
PHOTO BY ALLEN J. SCHABEN | LOS ANGELES TIMES (TNS)
An LAPD helicopter flies over downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 20, 2014, where the department is pioneering the use of choppers to prevent crime.
OPINIONS
A farewell to ‘Parks and Recreation’ MARJORIE KIRK Assistant Opinions Editor
Something about getting political stuff done and looking business formal just makes for the best television (second only to combining a seemingly push-over high school chemistry teacher with the hardened world of methamphetamine trafficking). With “House of Cards” returning on the eve of what was the latest in bittersweet endings to great television shows (“Parks and Recreation”’s final episode), I am at a strange impasse. How long do I have to
feel sad about the ending of one great show before I can jump back into a relationship with an old flame like “House of Cards?” I will deeply miss “Parks and Recreation,” as well as Nick Offerman’s swell mustache. Few shows have as many well-timed quirky charms and can recycle impossible personality extremes into enjoyable characters (see: Jean-Ralphio and Mona-Lisa Saperstein). Never has a show given me more feels for a threelegged dog or for the reformation of a pit into a children’s park. I can’t even hear the word “pit” without wanting to burst into a catchy song from the show. How will I go on without the sage, anti-government
prose of Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) or the how-to-bebae manual that is Donna Meagle? No other show has such a mastery of utilizing minor characters and guest appearances, save maybe the first brainchild of “Parks and Recreation” producers Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, “The Office.” Despite everything that I treasure about this show, I have to move on to greener, “dastardly-er” pastures. And no one does dastardly like Kevin Spacey. Ron Swanson’s outdoorsman physique is matched, if not surpassed in appealing characterization by the dapper, D.C. stud Frank Underwood. In a clearly one-sided matchup, the perkiness of Ann
Perkins has nothing on the manipulating and fierce Claire Underwood. It saddens me to say this because of the history we share, but I’m afraid I have to start seeing something more serious than comedic reruns. Every now and then I’ll remember our funny moments and the laughs we shared, but it is time for me to move to the bigger leagues. Thank goodness this terrible decision-making logic only applies to my choices in drastically fictionalized television shows and not actual relationships, or I would seriously need some intense therapy. Marjorie Kirk is the assistant opinions editor of the Kentucky Kernel. Email opinions@ kykernel.com.
Go Green. Recycle this Kernel.
3.11.15 | Independent since 1971 | 3
CLASSIFIEDS
For Rent 4 Bedroom 1-9 Bedroom
2, 3 and 4 BR/1.5-2.5 BA townhomes, preleasing for August 2015. Village at Richmond Woods. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, W/D, 2-car garage, patio. Pets allowed. Contact (859) 288-5601 or mprentals@netbusiness.com. 2-15 BR homes. Excellent service, variety of nice homes, locations all around campus, starting at $349/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859) 333-1388. 3-5 BR houses for rent. $875-$1,600 per month. Call Tyrell at (859) 585-0047 or email tyrell@lexingtonrentalhomes.net. 5-6 BR/3 BA. 3,450 sq ft, parking. Right off Rose Street. Available August. $1,750/month. Call (859) 948-5000. For lease. 1 & 2 BR apartments, close to campus. Available in August. Call (859) 233-1760. Great properties for rent, walk to campus. W/D included. (859) 619-3232. www.myuk4rent.com.
Walk to Campus Houses 1- 6 Bedroom. Wayne Michael is now pre-leasing 1-6BR houses for the Fall 2015 semester. www.waynemichaelproperties.com. (859) 513-1206.
219(Back) University Avenue, 4 BR/2 BA, new hardwood, W/D included, vaulted ceilings. $1,450 plus electric and water. August. (859) 619-5454. 4 BR houses. Large nice homes with private yards/decks, close to campus. Ample parking. W/D included. Excellent service. $349-$379/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859) 333-1388. 4 BR/2.5 BA. Large townhouses close to campus. All electric. Hardwood. W/D, dishwasher. Security system. Pets allowed. Garage units available. (859) 288-5601. $399 per student. Preleasing for fall: 4 BR houses off Euclid. Includes W/D. Contact Integra Properties at (859) 428-8271 or www.integraky.com.
5 Bedroom
5 BR houses. Large nice homes with private yards/decks, close to campus off Virginia/Broadway area. Ample parking. Excellent service. $349-$399/person. Leasing@KampusProperties.com. Call/Text (859)333-1388.
6 Bedroom
August rental. 6 BR/2 BA. Very clean. Great quality. Best landlord. Dennis (859) 983-0726. www.sillsbrothers.com. myUKapt.com
WALK TO CAMPUS! 3-6 BR houses. Porches, parking, W/D, DW. Very nice! Waller, State, University area. Choose early for best selection. Lease begins 8/1/2015. (859)539-5502.
2 Bedroom
2 BR/1BA, 211 Waller. Includes all utilities, Wi-Fi, and W/D. $990/mo. August. Call or text (859) 619-5454. NOW LEASING FOR AUGUST. 2 BR/2 BA, W/D in unit. Horseman’s Lane. $675/month. Call (859) 948-3300.
3 Bedroom
3 BR/2 BA. W/D. Campus Downs, walk to campus. $1,000/month plus utilities. Available August 1. (859) 619-1818 or (859) 559-1330. August rental. 3 BR/1 BA. Very clean, great quality. Best landlord. Dennis (859) 983-0726. www.sillsbrothers.com.
Newer 2-5BR homes. Only a few left. Near UK. Pet friendly. From $349/person. www.lexingtonhomeconsultants.com Contact James McKee at (859) 221-7082 or jwmckeebroker@msn.com.
Developer Design and some backend experience. Opportunity for long term work. Send your expertise and contact info to brian@bpoe.me. Kids R Kids-Beaumont, looking or active, friendly camp counselors to help lead summer camps. FT and PT positions avaiable. Must have previous experience working with children. Please apply in person, 3271 Beaumont Centre Cirle. Lexington, 40513. Anna Dennis, (859) 224-3210. Palmer’s Fresh Grill looking for PT employees- hosts and servers. Nights and weekends. Flexible schedules. Apply in person, 161 Lexington Green. PPM is now hiring Lifeguards, Pool Managers and Swim instructors. PPM is hiring for country clubs, water parks and Home owner associations in Lexington, Richmond, Winchester, Danville, Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Louisville areas. Pay ranges from $8.50-$15/hour. Email Brad at Brad40965@aol.com for application. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are looking for individuals 21–34 years of age who have received a DUI in the last 5 years to participate in a study looking at behavioral and mental performance. Participants are compensated for their time and participation is completely confidential. For more information, call (859) 257-5794. Researchers at the University of Kentucky are conducting studies concerning the effects of alcohol and are looking for male & female social drinkers 21-35 years of age. Volunteers paid to participate. Call (859) 257-5794. Travinia Italian Kitchen is hiring all positions. Apply in person between 9-12 and 2-5, Mon-Sat. Located at 3401 Nicholasville Rd. next to Chipotle.
Real Estate For Sale
3 BR condo. 1081 S. Broadway #104. Excellent condition. Walk to campus. $92,500. Call Ron at (859) 814-7049.
Roommates Help Wanted Wanted
BE THE EARLY BIRD for your summer job. Pepperhill is accepting applications for summer day camp counselors. Activity counselors wanted for: Arts and Crafts, Swimming, Nature, Horseback, Canoeing, Ropes. Call 277-6813 for an application or download online at Pepperhillkidz.com.
August. Female looking for same. Great quality. Quiet. Non-partier. Call landlord Dennis at (859) 983-0726. www.sillsbrothers.com.
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4 | Kentucky Kernel | 3.11.15
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
NUNLEY Continued from page 1
“She was going to be special” Her life as an athlete started with her first word, “ball.” “I started her playing baseball with the boys when she was four,” her father said. “When she was five and six, out of 164 players she made the All-Stars with the boys. So I knew she was going to be special.” She developed toughness early on, which transitioned into softball when she was 7 years old. When she was nine, Kelsey approached her father wanting to pitch. “He was like ‘Yeah, you know, if you put the work in and you’ll give it your all, all the time, then that’s what we’ll do,’” Randy Nunley said. Her father knew in Kelsey’s third game that he had made the right decision – she pitched a perfect game. “When she started playing, she started getting nohitters right away so I started keeping up with them, “ he said. “We love winning” Nunley’s father was instrumental in her development. He hired a pitching coach from the University at Chattanooga when she was 9 years old, and took time to catch for her. “We love sports, we love winning,” her father added. “My wife, she’s as competitive as Kelsey and me, probably more so, where I wouldn’t hurt Kelsey’s feelings she’d tell it to her a little rougher.” But it was on the mound
during middle school, and during the long summer afternoons where Kelsey chiseled away the rough edges in route to becoming UK’s most dominant pitcher.
“She wanted to beat you” When her father decided to move the family to Soddy-Daisy, Tenn., everything changed for Kelsey. “She came in as a freshman and actually she ended up starting some for me at the end of the season,” Hall of Fame high school coach Clifford Kirk said. “She proceeded to get better each year because she got bigger, stronger and more experienced.” She always wanted to do the best she could, he reflected. “She always wanted to be proficient at whatever it was,” Kirk added. “She wanted to beat you. If you were shooting marbles she wanted to beat you.”
“I’m here for a reason” When she was 14 years old, Kelsey received her first collegiate softball offer from Florida. But the decision ultimately came down to Tennessee or UK. She ended up at UK and it was the Cats’ head coach, Rachel Lawson, who initially impressed her. “When I came on my visit, I loved Coach Lawson to be honest,” Kelsey said. “I know it’s weird but I thought she had a great personality and I’d never played for a female coach, so that was different. I was excited about that. It just kind of happened and I think I’m here for a reason.” As Kelsey has transi-
tioned into a dominant college pitcher for UK, it has been the coaching of Lawson that has helped her blossom. “She’s been awesome. She knows how to push my buttons,” Nunley said. “I think that makes me a better player and person in general, as far as grades and softball.”
“She deserves it” Kelsey’s legacy doesn’t just include her time on the diamond but her time off it. “Whatever publicity she gets, she deserves it,” Kirk said. “She’s one of the few humble kids that come through. I don’t know if she knows she’s as good as she is.” It was during a camp that Kirk runs for kids in sixth through ninth grade that truly exemplifies the person that Nunley is. “Each day the kids would ask if Kelsey was coming today,” Kirk said. “On the third day she did show, of course I saw her get out of her car, and the kids spotted her and they started punching each other and talking to each other. It was a big thing for them for her to come.” Without softball in the Olympics, playing past college has become difficult for many. The communications major has aspirations after her playing days at UK are done to either coach college softball or start her own business giving pitching lessons. “I felt really blessed to get all the help that I did,” Nunley said. “So I want to help the girls do the same thing.”
Go Green. Recycle this Kernel. PHOTO BY MICHAEL REAVES | STAFF
Junior pitcher Kelsey Nunley throws a pitch at the Softball Facility on Jan. 26, 2015 in Lexington, Ky.